People

Dr. Crane is excited to be back at BYU! Dr. Crane loves learning about the world, helping students reach there goals, and developing new technologies with great students. He completed his Bachelor’s ('98) and Masters ('99) degrees in Mechanical Engineering at BYU and appreciated the great experience that he had here. Since leaving BYU, he has completed a PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ('05), worked in industry (Pratt & Whitney), government lab (Sandia National laboratories), and Academia (University of South Florida, University of Sheffield).

Dr. Crane’s interests lay in the areas of design, materials and advanced manufacturing with a particular interest in additive manufacturing (AM) and digital microfluidics. His work focuses on applying material science, mechanical design, and processing science to enable novel manufacturing processes. Examples of recent projects include area-based AM through projection sintering, AM of radio-frequency (RF) electronics, microscale actuation using droplet microfluidics, biodegradation of magnesium, wetting transitions in textured surfaces and capillary self-assembly. His work has been recognized with an NSF graduate research fellowship, the 2005 Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF) Best Paper Award, a 2014 Fulbright Scholar, and a 2015 USF Outstanding Faculty Award.

He has been the principal investigator on over $2.5 million in funding from government, private foundations, and industry. The research work has generated more than 45 journal articles, 4 patents, and over 40 conference publications.

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathancrane/

Position: PhD Graduate Researcher
Research Focus: Mass manufacture, design, and applications or origami-inspired mechanisms

Biography:
Hollis is a PhD candidate researching mass manufacture, design, and applications of origami-inspired mechanisms. She previously earned a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. Her master's thesis focused on design for manufacturing of Direct Ink Write and other extrusion additive manufacturing processes. During her master's degree she received the Senior Design Mentorship Award for her work as a graduate teaching assistant and co-lead of the Mechanical Engineering capstone course staff. Her research interests include additive manufacturing, soft robotics, compliant mechanisms, alternative methods of low-power actuation, and design methodology for these topics.

Contact Information:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollis-waites/

Hi, this is Shu Wang. I am a PhD student. I work in Dr. Crane's lab to develop methods to monitor the thermal properties and density of the powder in the powder bed of the binder jetting or powder bed fusion systems. I enjoy finding solutions to problems.

Contact Information:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shu-wang-179a43158

Position: PhD Graduate Researcher
Research Focus: Additive manufacturing, Machine learning, Binder jetting, and Advanced Manufacturing

Biography:
Tugrul is a PhD candidate specializing in additive manufacturing, with a particular focus on enhancing binder jetting processes. His research involves utilizing image processing to analyze the powder bed and applying machine learning techniques to detect and asses defects. He previously earned a master's degree in Additive Manufacturing and Design from Penn State. His areas of interest include additive manufacturing, machine learning, binder jetting, and advanced manufacturing.

Contact Information:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tugrul-yaylali-400b457/

Position: MS Graduate Researcher

Research Focus: Quantifying Contamination Hazards of Binder Jetting

Biography:

A Mechanical Engineer who has a passion for learning and creating new things. I am currently specializing in robotics, automation & controls, and systems engineering.

Additionally, I have nearly 14 years of experience in construction and fabrication, 10 years in teaching and education, and 8 years in organization and project management.

I enjoy developing technical skills in my free time, but I never avoid connecting and collaborating with new people.

Contact Information:
Email: sse27@byu.edu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-erickson-756593227

Max Gunn
Position: Graduate Research Assistant

Research Focus: Binder jet additive manufacturing

Biography:   Max Gunn is a Mechanical Engineering graduate researcher focused on process optimization and the post-processing of components produced via binder jetting. His work specializes in developing infiltration protocols to enhance density and mechanical integrity, specifically to meet precise target densities for mock part. By refining these methodologies, he aims to improve the consistency and performance of parts produced through additive manufacturing.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/maxgunn19

Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Research Focus: Flash Thermography Analysis of Binder Jetting

Biography:
Dylan Conover is a mechanical engineering major at BYU. In the CREATE Lab, he uses flash thermography to determine the density of binder jetting samples. He is the Engagement Specialist for the BYU Design Review and is a member of BYU’s Persian Association.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-conover-4930a5330/

Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Research Focus: Composite Manufacturing and Binder Jetting Defects

Biography:
Kalani is an undergraduate researcher in the CREATE Lab at Brigham Young University with over two years of experience in composite manufacturing and binder jetting. His work aims to explore composite additive manufacturing and improve the binder jetting process by understanding the complex interaction between binder and powder. He is a member of the BYU Rocketry Club and enjoys spending time with his wife and son.

Contact Information:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kalani-brubaker
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6444-4833

Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Research Focus: Multi-layered & Origami-based manufacturing

Biography: Charlie Meyer is an undergraduate researcher in the CREATE Lab at Brigham Young University. He began his work with a collaboration alongside the BYU Structures Lab on multi-extruder 3D printing and has since continued research in origami-based manufacturing in partnership with the BYU Compliant Mechanisms Research Group (CMR). Charlie is passionate about automation and aspires to establish his own automation consulting firm in the future. Outside of research, he enjoys connecting with others, cooking, exploring the outdoors, camping, and discovering new ideas. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-meyer-engineering

Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Research Focus: Additive manufacturing focusing on origami inspired structures

Bio: Garrett Crowder is a mechanical engineering major at BYU hoping to graduate in April of 2028. He has been involved in the CREATE lab since fall of last year and has focused on self-folding origami structures for creating composite sandwich panels. He hopes to continue researching and learning about new developments in engineering.

Contact Info: www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-crowder

Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Research Focus: Composite Manufacturing and Binder Jetting Defects

Biography: Grace is an undergraduate student at Brigham Young University double majoring in mechanical engineering and computer science. In the CREATE Lab she works on a custom binder jet system to study how different parameters impact the properties of binder jet fabricated parts. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gra-reeder 

Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Research Focus: Multi-layered & origami-based manufacturing

Bio: William began studying at BYU in 2024 and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He started working in the CREATE Lab in the fall of 2025 and his research focuses on the application of multi-layer manufacturing and origami-inspired mechanisms. He loves playing pickleball, hiking, skiing, building legos, and working on projects in the BYU Rocketry Lab. LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/william-perkinson-089259b7

Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Research Focus: Development of Open-Source Binder Jet Additive Manufacturing Machine

Biography: Zack is an Undergraduate Research Assistant contributing to the development of a custom open-source binder jet additive manufacturing system. His work focuses on integrating a second print head into the binder jet 3D printer and supporting ongoing hardware and firmware development efforts. This includes assisting with printer modification, firmware communication, and accuracy testing. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacknelson2/

Studying electrowetting actuation as part of his Ph.D.

David Parsi received his first Master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran, in 2014, and his second Master’s degree in mechatronics engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada in 2018. He won several awards such as the Research and Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Industrial Research and Innovation Fund and Arctic TECH R&D Award. His research was supported partially by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Currently, he is a Ph.D. Candidate at Brigham Young University. He developed a wide range of skills such as calibration, 3D printing, 3D CAD software, and FEA software. His current research interests include solid command of technologies, CAD design, finite element analysis, control, optimization, vibration analysis, microfluidics, calibration, electrowetting, Stereolithography 3-D printing, additive manufacturing, and MEMS design.

Selected publications:

[1] Parsi, Behzad, and Tyler Stevens. "Design of Circular Piezoelectric Actuator for a Microfluidic Reconfigurable Radio Frequency Switch." Journal of Applied Engineering Mathematics December 8 (2021):1-8.

[2] Parsi, Behzad, and Lihong Zhang. "Design and optimization of cost-effective coldproof portable enclosures for polar environment." International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE) 0.6 (2020): 6251-6259.

[3] Parsi, Behzad, Lihong Zhang, and Vlastimil Masek. "Disposable off-chip micro-dispenser for accurate droplet transportation." IEEE Sensors Journal 19.2 (2018): 575-586.

[4] Parsi, Behzad, Lihong Zhang, and Vlastimil Masek. "Vibration analysis of a double circular PZT actuator for a valveless micropump." Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering International Congress, Toronto, Canada (2018).

[5] Kaviani, Samira, et al. "A modeling and vibration analysis of a piezoelectric micro-pump diaphragm." Comptes Rendus Mécanique 342.12 (2014): 692-699.

[6] Parsi, B., et al. "Calibration verification of a low-cost method for MEMS accelerometers." Transactions of the Institute of Measurement and Control 36.5 (2014): 579-587.

Contact
bparsi@byu.edu

Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Research Focus: Advanced Techniques for Manufacturing Origami-Inspired Mechanisms

Biography:
Adam is studying mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University. His work in the CREATE Lab is on the manufacturing of origami-inspired devices, with a focus on the sheet-lamination process. He has a passion for design and innovation, and his interests include traveling, camping, and following BYU sports.

Contact Information:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamwengreen/

Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Research Focus: Density Defects in Binder Jetting

Biography: Madi is a Senior in Mechanical Engineering and has been working in the lab for 2 years. Her research focuses on determining causes for the density defects in binder jet parts. She has been a co-author on two papers. She is also in the BYU Marching Band.

Contact Information:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/madi-lawrence-byu
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0408-8612

Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Research Focus: Advanced Techniques for Manufacturing Origami-Inspired Mechanisms

Biography:
Kyle Thatcher is studying mechanical engineering for his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University. His time in the Create lab is spent researching the sheet lamination process of 3D printing. He is passionate about product efficiency in design and enjoys games and spending time with his wife.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-thatcher-45410b32a

Position: PhD Graduate Researcher
Research Focus: Advanced Techniques for Manufacturing Origami-Inspired Mechanisms

Biography:
Tyler is a PhD candidate specializing in advanced techniques for manufacturing origami-inspired mechanisms using sheet lamination additive manufacturing. His work addresses industry challenges by bridging theoretical design and practical production. Current research includes additive manufacturing, mechanism design, and building insulation.

Contact Information:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-r-stevens/
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7385-0860

Mechanical Engineering Master's student studying Large Area Projection Sintering, a recently developed Additive Manufacturing process. Focusing on the impact of density/porosity on mechanical properties of parts produced using LAPS.

Studied the LAPS process as part of his master's degree. Utilizing the unique advantages of the LAPS process to understand the impact of temperature history on resulting material properties.

Studied the binder jetting process as part of his masters degree.

Studied metal composition control as part of his master's degree.

I am a graduate student working on ways to improve the additive manufacturing process known as Binder Jetting. I've been married since 2015 and since then my wife and I have welcomed a son who is now two and we are expecting a baby sister. Outside of my research, I enjoy board games, hiking, and road trips.

Position: MS Graduate Researcher
Research Focus: Binder powder interactions in the BJ process

Biography: Jacob completed his master's degree focusing on Binder Jet additive manufacturing. As part of his work, he designed and built a custom laboratory scale BJ printer, and performed x-ray synchrotron imaging at Aragon national lab of the BJ process.

Studied defect detection in additive manufacturing as part of his master's degree.

MS ME Research:

• Developing quality assurance methods for additive manufacturing processes via thermography 
• Investigating the relationship between thermal diffusivity and moisture content of an AM powder bed

Publications: 

Wallace, N. J., Jones, M. R., & Crane, N. B. (2020). Spectral Absorption Coefficient of Additive Manufacturing Materials. Journal of Thermal Science and Engineering Applications, 1-28.doi: https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4048836

Wallace, N. J., Jones, M. R., & Crane, N. B. (2020). Spectral Absorption Coefficient of Additive Manufacturing Polymers. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/spacegrant/2020/papers/3/

Wallace, N. J. (2019). Preliminary Modeling of Active Thermography for Additive Manufacturing Applications. Journal of Applied Engineering Mathematics, 6,1.

Contact: 
njw37@byu.edu